Akbar’s very last act on his deathbed was to invest Jahangir, aged 32, with the regalia. Although, Jahangir had broken out in rebellion towards the close of Akbar’s region, but no one held that against him. The fight of son against father, and of brother against brother, over the throne was the norm among the Mughals; Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Shah Jahan and Aurengzeb had all fought fratricidal wars. Moreover, such clashes were seemed as a rite to Mughal princes.
Very little is known about Jahangir’ childhood. He was born on 30th August 1569, at noon, in the hermitage of Sheikh Salim Chishti at Sikri and named Nur-ud-din Mohammad Salim. A child of many prayers, he had a pampered childhood.
Talking about the character and temperament of Jahangir, which resembles much as his grandfather Humayun; a courteous, gregarious, fun loving epicure. And just as Humayun had a serious interest in astronomy and astrology, Jahangir also prided himself on being a poet and wrote his own candid memoirs. He was very much his father’s son, too, being open minded and liberal in his culture and religious attitudes.
In comparison to Akbar, Jahangir pales into insignificance, but only in comparison to Akbar. He was a man of diverse talents and, despite a certain playfulness, quite conscientious in the discharge of royal duties. Although, he was a physical wreck during most of his region, reasoning his long addiction to wine and opium, and his life would have probably ended in disgrace, however for his good fortune in having by his side the imperiously beautiful and enormously talented Nur Jahan, his chief queen. As the reins of power began to slip from his hands, she stood behind and gave him strength. As, recorded by Mughal courtier Inayat Khan, “gradually acquired such unbounded influence on His Majesty’s mind that she seized the reins of government and took on herself the supreme civil and financial administration of the realm, ruling with absolute authority till the conclusion of the reign”.
However, on the whole Nur Jahan’s role in government was positive. There were two major rebellions towards the close of Jahangir’s reign; by the prince Shah Jahan and other by the royal commander Mahabat Khan, but both were effectively and decisively suppressed under the leadership of Nur Jahan.
Jahangir’s ambition was to be known as a just ruler, who inspired by the “Drum of Justice”, concept of his grandfather Humayun setup the “Chain of Justice”. Broadly, Jahangir’s twenty-two years region was marked by peace and prosperity, and he was equally beloved by his subjects and his neighbors.
TO BE CONTINUED……..